Better information system needed
IT is time for the Education Department to think strategically to weed out many related problems hindering progress and to maintain its goodwill.
The department has downgraded heaps of problems over the years so much so that the situation has worsened.
One of the main problems is that there is no well-coordinated standard assessment criteria in placed to grade and select students, especially those who have completed Grades 10 and 12.
The Measurement Unit Service (MSU) is not well organised in keeping records and files of schools and students.
It is also operating in isolation from other sections within the department.
As a result of this, many eligible grade 10 and 12 students missed out in finding places in tertiary institutions last year.
Students are the country’s assets and should be given due attention.
Another problem is that schools throughout PNG have not been properly coordinated and monitored.
Many school inspectors do not visit schools because their bosses are in Port Moresby and do not know what they are doing.
Schools operate as they wish, and some teachers do not teach or miss classes altogether.
A third problem is that there is no well-channelled communication system established with top-level officers, middle level officers and lower level officers within the department and other stakeholders such as PNG Teachers Association (PNG TA), PNG Teaching Service Commission (PNGTSC) and others.
As a result of working in isolation, records and files are in disorder and not updated causing pressures and frustrations to hardworking staffs and teachers, and school administration for the ineffective, inefficient and incompetent services offered.
Furthermore, the teacher’s leaver fare entitlements have not been addressed effectively and efficiently.
Delays continue, further giving rise to frustration and corruption.
Setting up information systems is one of the effective strategies that can greatly help minimise the problem.
It will help the department to coordinate and monitor the whole process.
As for the MSU, it should have a separate software to help it assess students’ performance.
With a good information system in place, the opportunities for abuse and malpractices will be minimised.
Such systems will not be cheap but in the long run, they will bring about great benefits and convenience.

A. Pokaya, Wuhan, China
Letters